Season 5 · Episode 26
Funding Fairness: Public vs Private RTOs with Lauren Hollows
Angela and Lauren Hollows dive into one of the biggest funding battles in Australia's VET sector—the growing inequality between TAFE NSW and private RTOs. Private RTOs are under increasing pressure as TAFE NSW now receives 80% of all Smart and Skilled funding.
26 June 202531 min
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Show Notes
- Private RTOs boast higher completion rates (54%) vs. TAFE's 43%
- For every $1 spent on a private RTO, $3.34 is spent on TAFE
- Student and employer satisfaction consistently favours private providers
- The hidden flaw in "fee-free" training: low student commitment and poor completion rates
- What we must do now to protect student choice, innovation, and training diversity
Key Takeaways
- TAFE NSW receives 80% of Smart and Skilled funding despite lower outcomes
- The "dodgy RTO" myth doesn't hold up to the data
- Current funding decisions risk collapsing the support ecosystem for quality training
- We need action to protect student choice and training diversity in Australia
Resources Mentioned
- Save Private RTOs Petition
- Funding Comparison Analysis
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